Do you experience dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and neck and shoulder pain after working or playing in front of a computer screen or using other digital devices? If so, you’re probably experiencing computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain.
If you’re like many other Canadians, you spend more than seven hours a day in front of a screen. While this doesn’t pose any serious long term risks to your eyes, digital eye strain can be very uncomfortable. Here are seven tips to reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. 1. Position your screen properly. Your screen should be at least an arm’s distance away and about 20 degrees lower than your eyes. This distance helps minimize eye strain and the angle ensures your eyelid is slightly lowered, keeping the eye hydrated. 2. Adjust the lighting in the room. Your screen should be about the same brightness as the room you’re working in. If your device has a setting that automatically adjusts the screen’s backlighting, use it. 3. Reduce glare. Glare and reflections on the screen can irritate your eyes. Make sure there aren’t any lights behind you while you work and consider installing an anti-glare covering on your screen. 4. Get a new screen. Images displayed on cathode ray tube (CRT) screens flicker, which contributes to eye strain. If you’re still using this type of screen, replace it with a flat-panel LED screen. 5. Remember to blink. Generally, people blink about 12 times a minute, but while you’re using a computer, that number may be reduced to about five times a minute. Make an effort to blink more often while working. 6. Give your eyes a break with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something that’s at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes your eye muscles, reducing tension and eye strain. 7. See your optometrist. Uncorrected vision problems can make digital eye strain worse. See your optometrist yearly for an eye exam to ensure your eyes are in good health. During your appointment, ask your eye doctor about other ways to relieve your computer vision syndrome. There may be lens coatings or tints that help reduce glare and strain. Make an appointment today If you think you’re experiencing digital eye strain, visit Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. The experienced optometrists and opticians at our five locations can help you find a solution. Call us today to make an appointment.